The Crooks

Ah Shou (Ye Feng), who appears dimwitted, cleverly outwits a street hawker, Ah Mou (Liu Lu Hua), who befriends him and forms an alliance. Together, they orchestrate various schemes: dining without paying, blackmailing the clients of a brothel, and renting a room to unsuspecting girls but tricking them into thinking the place is haunted, causing them to eventually forfeit their rent. Their mischief continues until they encounter Ah Chiao (Sakura Teng), a vibrant and sharp-witted individual who not only thwarts their schemes but becomes an integral part of their operation. The trio continues with their scams until an unfortunate encounter with robbers and police involvement adds a twist to their adventurous endeavours.

Directed by Pan Lei, The Crooks leans on a strong ensemble — Yau Fung, Sakura Ting, Fan Lei — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1977.